Post-medieval coins unearthed in Cumbria have formally been declared treasure — and could soon be put on display to the public.
An inquest was held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court at the request of British Museum experts who inspected the three coins after they were discovered in Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen, on October 15 2023.
They were found by a man using a metal detector, and the landowner had been made aware of the find.
“They were found at approximately six inches depth on rough grazing land,” said coroner Margaret Taylor during a short court hearing.
Two coins — a shilling and a threepence — displayed the busts of Elizabeth I, while a third, another shilling, showed Charles I.
The Elizabeth I threepence was the oldest of the coins, dating back to 1574. The coins ranged from 20mm to 27mm in diameter, and weighed between 1.88g and 5.10g.
“I have received a report from the British Museum, who have confirmed that the coins are post-medieval, dating from between 1574 and 1648,” said Ms Taylor, who outlined the fine historical detail of each coin as set out by British Museum personnel.
“I’m told that the hoard contains more than one silver coin of precious metal and is over 300 years old. It therefore meets the criteria for treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.
“Penrith and Eden Museum has expressed an interest in acquiring them, and it is for this reason we are proceeding to inquest,” added Ms Taylor.
“I therefore have no hesitation in confirming that these coins do, in fact, qualify as treasure and this will be reflected on the record of inquest.”
After the hearing, Theodore Muscillo, finds liaison officer (Lancashire and Cumbria) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, gave advice to those who think they, too, might have found similar precious items.
He said: “Anyone who finds treasure must report it to the coroner within 14 days, and can do this by contacting their local finds liaison officer.”
Visit https://finds.org.uk/contacts for contact details of officers.
